A small delicatessen in Cannes, France, has been making headlines because of its controversial name — "Ma femme est une cochonne” — which translates to “My Wife is a Sow.” The sign features two sketches of a humanoid sow carrying a hatchet. Opening in mid-January, the shop is owned by Frédéric Saury and David Prince, who describe themselves as “bon-vivants who love good food.” The shop sells all kinds of treats, from cold cuts to alcohol, and while their products are excellent, many people are put off by the shop's name. It sounds more like an insult, but the owners swear they have nothing against their spouses. In fact, both of their spouses find the shop’s name funny. They said they wanted a name that attracted attention, and did it ever. In fact, it garnered the attention of Cannes City Hall, which immediately notified the owners to take the sign down or face a fine of €243 ($262) per day until they complied. The owners say the sign isn’t going anywhere. They have already had a new sign made and installed it inside, right at the window, so authorities can’t say anything. They claim the locals found the name funny, as did their own wives — the only ones who should be insulted by it.
A Shop Named “My Wife Is a Sow” Raises Eyebrows in France
A small delicatessen in Cannes, France, has been making headlines because of its controversial name — "Ma femme est une cochonne” — which translates to “My Wife is a Sow.” The sign features two sketches of a humanoid sow carrying a hatchet. Opening in mid-January, the shop is owned by Frédéric Saury and David Prince, who describe themselves as “bon-vivants who love good food.” The shop sells all kinds of treats, from cold cuts to alcohol, and while their products are excellent, many people are put off by the shop's name. It sounds more like an insult, but the owners swear they have nothing against their spouses. In fact, both of their spouses find the shop’s name funny. They said they wanted a name that attracted attention, and did it ever. In fact, it garnered the attention of Cannes City Hall, which immediately notified the owners to take the sign down or face a fine of €243 ($262) per day until they complied. The owners say the sign isn’t going anywhere. They have already had a new sign made and installed it inside, right at the window, so authorities can’t say anything. They claim the locals found the name funny, as did their own wives — the only ones who should be insulted by it.